Kamal Ghorui
Lucknow: The Indian Air Force on Wednesday conducted landing and takeoff drills on the Purvanchal Expressway in Sultanpur district as part activating an emergency landing facility (ELF) during the day and at night.The drills featured a wide range of IAF platforms, including frontline fighter aircraft such as Sukhoi Su‑30 MKI, Mirage‑2000 and Jaguar. Transport aircraft C‑295 and AN‑32 also carried out operations, along with Mi‑17 V5 helicopters. The IAF’s elite Garud Commando force participated in the exercise, demonstrating rapid deployment and security capabilities from a highway-based airstrip.Officials said the exercise validated the IAF capability to undertake unhindered operations even when conventional air bases are unavailable. The activation of the ELF showcased the professional skills of aircrew and the efficiency of ground personnel in preparing and operating a highway airstrip at short notice.The exercise was conducted in coordination with the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) and the local administration. Together, the agencies tested standard operating procedures for the swift activation of the expressway airstrip in emergency scenarios. both by day and night.According to officials, strategically developed airstrips on national expressways serve as critical force multipliers. They enhance operational flexibility during military contingencies and strengthen capabilities for disaster response and humanitarian assistance.Among those who witnessed the exercises were Air Marshal B Manikantan, AOC-in-C, Central Air Command; cabinet minister Om Prakash Rajbhar and UPEIDA CEO Deepak Kumar.
